Looks like Ramadan just started and the time flies in the blink of an eye. Here we are at the edge of Ramadan, awaiting Eid. But the lessons and activities for the month is not over yet. Allah has given us many opportunities to do good deeds and repent our sins, and we are already showered with His countless blessings. Laylatul Qadr is one such blessing that Allah has bestowed upon us, and it is our gateway to Jannah.
When the Sahabas asked the Prophet (pbuh) that 'in earlier days, people have lived longer till 900 years and they were able to worship Allah for a longer period and thus, reaped the rewards.' They wished for an opportunity to have that sort of virtue and honor. That is when Allah has revealed the verse on Laylat ul Qadr to our Prophet (pbuh). Allah has mentioned in the Quran that ‘The night of Qadr is better than a thousand months’.
While we make use of this blessed night to the fullest, our children should also know the significance of it and the reason why we seek it. So make sure they are keen on prayers in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Encourage the children to do good deeds, like giving charity, being nicer to people, praying a little extra and helping others.
There are few activities to make the children interested to do it on their own, on Laylat ul Qadr.
1. Knowledge of Laylat ul Qadr - The children should know it is the very night, Quran’s first verse ‘Iqra’ was revealed to our Prophet (pbuh) while he was meditating in the Hira Cave. This night comes down as a gift from Allah, and this one night of worship equals to worshipping for 1000 months. And that itself explains the significance.
2. Memorizing Surah Qadr - It is a small and easy surah to memorise for children. So that they can recite the surah in their prayers during last 10 days. Also teach them its Tafseer, as a part of your storytelling session (Read Ramadan Activities For Children)
3. Duas and Supplication Printables - Saying the duas together will help the children to memorise the most powerful yet small Dua that the our Prophet (pbuh) has advised us to recite more during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Prepare Dua Cards and insist them to ask for forgiveness. For even the smallest mistakes they did, they should be aware that Allah is the Most Gracious to forgive them. So let them say Asthagfirullah Al Aleem after every salah.
4. Encourage to remain in I’thikaf - Women and Children can observe I’thikaf at home, but the Niyyath is important. Even stepping on our Musalla for a salah, with the I’thikaf intention is rewarded. Keeping the I’thikaf niyyath, every time we enter the masjid, will reap rewards for even the minimum time spent there.
Construct a small I’thikaf tent or set a prayer area in the corner of your house. Keep a small Musalla, a Quran, a Tasbeeh and few Islamic Children’s books to read and hang Dua cards. Thus the kids will understand that this place is only meant to remember Allah and not to play games or unnecessary talks.
5. Sadaqah and Goodie Bags -
Encourage the kids to save a part of their pocket money to donate during this night. This will also give the knowledge of Zakat calculating as well as the idea of sharing. While gaining rewards of the 1000 months. Also let them fill the bags with goodies. They will be happier to distribute to the people at masjid. This activity will also make them feel responsible as well as getting to know about the significance of the blessed night.
The night we await is arriving, but when? That remains a mystery, however we have given some indication that it falls on odd numbered days - 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29. But are we certain of our Day 1 of Ramadan? Hence, there are chances that Laylat ul Qadr could fall on the even numbered days 22,24,26,28 or 30 as well. So it is best to indulge in prayers during the last 10 days of Ramadan.May Allah give us the strength to stand for prayers, supplicate and seek Tawba on this night. InshaAllah, we will be rewarded with the best and our Halal wishes are granted. Aameen!
